York Region, police employees raise nearly $450,000 for United Way York Region

Once again, employees surpassed their goal to help others

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 9, 2014
By Lisa Queen

York Region's United Way will find an extra special gift under the tree this year, thanks to the employees of York Region and York Regional Police.

Workers surpassed their goal of raising $440,000 by $8,081, the organizations announced Dec. 8.

“For more than 20 years, York Region and York Regional Police staff have come together to support the critical work of United Way York Region in our community,” York Region chairperson Bill Fisch said in a statement.

“The efforts, enthusiasm and generosity of staff to not only meet, but exceed our campaign goal are nothing short of outstanding.”

This isn't the first time employees have surpassed their fundraising goal.

Last year, they raised $432,102, above their target of $425,000.

In total, over more than two decades, the employees have raised $3.3 million.

The annual campaign gives the staff a chance to revisit their role in supporting York Region communities and why it makes sense to give, Adelina Urbanski, the region’s commissioner of community and health services and campaign co-chairperson, said.

“This year’s success is a testament to our ongoing spirit of teamwork and commitment," she said.

Deputy Police Chief Andre Crawford, also campaign co-chairperson, congratulated staff that invested their time, resources and money to the United Way.

“Your act of giving will have a lasting impact on individuals and families in York Region," he said.

United Way chief executive office, Daniele Zanotti is thrilled with the donation.

“York Region and York Regional Police continue to set the bar for hard work and results as the leading employee campaign fundraiser in all of York Region,” he said.

“We’ve already helped over 120,000 people move from crisis to a better life and with achievements like the region’s, we know that we’ll reach even more York Region residents.”

The United Way supports agencies across the region focused on its priorities of "helping kids be all they can be, moving people from poverty to possibility and supporting healthy people and strong neighbourhoods."

In 2013, United Way York Region unveiled its ambitious community goal to raise $30 million over three years and help 325,000 people through the In Every Neighbourhood campaign.

For more information on the United Way York Region, visit www.york.unitedway.ca